Justice News

Mayagüez Man Found Guilty Of Attempted Coercion And Enticement Of A Minor With The Intent Of Committing A Criminal Sexual Act

SAN JUAN, P.R. – After a four-day jury trial, Rafael Soler-Montalvo was found guilty of attempted sexual enticement of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, announced United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. United States District Court Chief Judge Gustavo A. Gelpí presided over the trial.

On May 3, 2017 the defendant was indicted for using a text messaging service to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual the defendant believed to be a 13 year-old female to engage in sexual activity, for which the defendant could be charged with a criminal offense under the laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

During the trial, the government’s evidence proved that the defendant sent four photographs of himself including one of his penis to the female “minor.” During the course of the text messages, Soler-Montalvo asked: a) what the “minor” was wearing; b) how long the “minor” could be away from everyone; and c) if the “minor” was looking forward to being with him. Further, he explained in explicit detail the illegal sexual acts he wanted to do to her. In addition, he suggested they meet at a location in Mayagüez, PR and then engage in sexual activity at his house and/or his car.

“This conviction shows our commitment to apprehend and prosecute child predators,” said United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. “This conviction should send a strong message to other child predators that they cannot hide their criminal acts on the internet.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ginette Milanes. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The sentencing is scheduled for December 10.